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Right man for the job

13th March 2008, Page 3
13th March 2008
Page 3
Page 3, 13th March 2008 — Right man for the job
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

For more years than we can recall, political pundits have written off the Liberal Democrats as a party with ā€¯unelectable polices-. Yet if the Lib Dems' London mayoral candidate, Brian Paddiek, wins the race, he'd scrap the low-emission zone LE7) and allow trucks into London without charge hardly unelectable policies for hauliers who deliver to the capital daily.

The Tories, meanwhile, want to keep the LEZ but consult on the western extension of the charging zone. Moreover, would-be-mayor Boris Johnson wants an accountbased billing system for the congestion-charge scheme, so operators wouldn't have to pay in advance, but would be invoiced instead. That way, the Tories hope, the number of drivers and operators fined for breaching the rules would be reduced.

And the present incumbent? Well, we've struggled to discover exactly what Mayor Ken Livingstone plans to offer truck operators but judging by his past record the London lorry ban, LEZ and congestion charging), don't expect too many truck-friendly policies. Yet it's not too late, Ken. Why not surprise us with further concessions on loading times and an enlightened approach to night-time deliveries? Then turn some of London's many derelict sites into decent truckstops.

Not surprisingly, the two trade associations are in favour of the Lb Dems' policies. Assuming Paddick did get in and scrapped the LEZ, how would those truck operators feet who've already Invested heavily to become LEZ-compliant?

A tad grumpy? If the ETA and RHA like the Lib Dems' policies so much, presumably they'll be urging members based in London to vote for

Paddlck or is that not democracy in action? Meanwhile, why should CM be banging on about London (again when tens of thousands of UK truck operators never

go near the place? Because London is the transport template for all major UK cities. And what happens 'in the smoke' will sooner or later happen to you.

Tags

Organisations: Liberal Democrats, Lib Dems, ETA, RHA
Locations: London

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